461B-1-Poa-morrisii-hab-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Poa morrisii

Velvet Tussock-grass

Soft, hairy tufted perennial. Flowering stems erect to spreading, downy.

Additional information

  • FamilyPoaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizeto 25 cm high, stems 0.5-0.9 m
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesSoft velvety grey to bluish leaves, to 25 cm x 2 mm, flat, folded or weakly inrolled. Sheath pale, densely velvety.
  • Flower colourGreen or purplish
  • Flowering timeOctober to December
  • FlowersOpen pyramidal flowerhead, to 25 cm x 15 cm, 3-8-flowered spikelets; lower bracts 3-veined, lower floral bract 5-veined, downy on lower part, hairs on keel and outer veins, web absent.
  • Bird attractingSeeds, habitat - nesting materials
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist to dry well drained poor or rocky soils in forests and woodlands. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useA very attractive grass for broadscale landscaping or planting as a border, in rockeries or cottage gardens. Grows under established trees.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesPoa morrisii shows great variability and some forms may be considered as Poa rodwayi, an intermediate between P. morrisii and Poa sieberiana var. hirtella. P. rodwayi is unlikely to occur within the Shire.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

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